Abstract

Malaysia depends heavily on fossil fuel for electricity generation and transportation. However, its fuel reserve is expected to diminish very rapidly over the next 10 years. It is therefore very important to increase the use of renewable energy, particularly bio-fuel and solar energy. The potential of harnessing ocean energy in Malaysia, such as tidal energy, needs to be investigated thoroughly. Ocean energy could be a promising form of renewable energy because of the cyclic, reliable and predictable nature and the vast energy contained within it. According to UK Department of Trade and Industry, 10% of the United Kingdom’s electricity needs could be met by tidal power. Philippine has installed tidal fences stretching across the straits of San Bernardino. Being a neighboring country, Malaysia may also have a huge potential for tidal energy. This paper provides the details of the investigations carried out to explore the potential of electricity generation using tidal energy at the ocean around Malaysia.